Inspiration | Viktor Nikiforov x Reader

Chapter 2: The Encounter

Song: Strange Birds - Birdy
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Glasses were clanking together. People were leisurely chatting. And the smell of alcohol flooded the room. You inhaled deeply as you mentally prepared yourself for another restless night at the Fukui Bar. Although your job wasn't exactly difficult, it was still tiring. For the last two and a half years you have been working at Fukui as an entertainment act every Wednesday night. Though you didn't often display it, you were quite talented in music. It was in fact your impressive performances that landed you this gig in the first place. Taking one final deep breath, you walked onto the "stage."

"Ow, ow! Little mama, looking good!"

"Why don't you show us what that pretty mouth of yours can really do?"

Followed by more whistles and atrocious catcalls from your intoxicated male audience. It took no effort on your part to ignore them. You had a job to do. You sat down on the bench in front of the grand piano, took a moment to adjust the mic, and then began to play. The music created was soft but enjoyable, your fingers dancing across black and white keys. The rest of the bar grew silent as you started to sing.

"Little ghost, you are listening. Unlike most you don't miss a thing. You see the truth."

Your voice rang through the entire room and all eyes were on you. 

"I walk the halls invisibly. I climb the walls, no one sees me. No one but you."

Despite the slightly disagreeable environment, you actually enjoyed to preform. "I have to do better," you thought to yourself.

"You've always loved the strange birds, but I want to fly into your world. I want to be heard."

The end of the song was nearing and not a single flicker could be heard. At that very moment you owned the place.

"My wounded wings still beating. You always loved the stranger inside... Me ugly, pretty."

The very moment the last chord of the piano was played, the bar exploited with applause. You stood up and bowed, meekly flashing a smile as you waited for the commotion to die down.

You played a few more songs, the pub  returning to its usual lively self. It was the same routine every time. One actual performance and the rest background music. Little did you know that there was an unsuspecting pair of blue eyes fixed upon you, gazing intently.

Gig time was over. You collected your pay for the night and began to navigate your way to the doors when you felt a strong hand on your shoulder. You froze in your tracks at the sudden and unwanted human contact.

"You sing and play very beautifully, miss," an evidently male voice said. "You were absolutely stunning up there."

"Another drunk attempt to get in my pants, huh?" you thought to yourself.

You shuddered a little and smacked his hand away, and turned around to quickly dismiss whomever it was that was keeping you from going home and getting the rest you most rightfully deserved.

"Thank you, but I'm not interested in having sex with you, I-," you words were cut off as you were met with a not-so unfamiliar face. Grey bangs that fell perfectly across the left side. Great blue orbs that shined like the moon in the night sky. No..it couldn't be. There's no way he would be in a place like this. But could it be possible?

As if he could read your mind, the man took a step back and apologetically bowed his head.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you or anything!" He cried, "I just thought your performance was truly amazing and I wanted to tell you that before you left, miss, uh-"

"(Y/n). You can call me (y/k)." You gave a soft smile. Maybe this guy wasn't a creep after all.

"Miss (y/n), huh? What a lovely name. Almost as lovely as its owner." He took the your hand and kissed it gently, your cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"Y-yes, and you are?" you studder.

His eyes widened, as if he was expecting you to already know the answer. His initial shock however soon transformed into a pleasant grin.

"Viktor. Viktor Nikiforov."

WHAT.

A million different thoughts ran through your head at once: Viktor Nikiforov. Thee Viktor Nikiforov. Twenty four hours ago you had no idea this man even existed, and here he was now, standing right in front of you. You barely knew anything about him, other than he was hella famous. And what's more is he complimented you! But you were so rude to him earlier. You didn't mean to of course, you thought he was just some sick bloke trying to mess with you! Oh my God. He could end you. He could slander your name and that would be it for you. And all of your hard work would be for nothing. You might as well be dead!

Your face read, "extreme nervousness," all over it.

"Eh? Miss (y/n), are you alright?" The grey-haired Russian asked sincerely.

You furiously shook your head. "Yes, yes! I'm okay, hahaa.."

Viktor smiled. "Amazing! I'm glad to hear."

He didn't seem that bad. Certainly not like the type of person who would sully your name for a bit of accidental rudeness. But just to make sure...

"Hey, Viktor," you started.

"Hm?"

"I most deeply apologize for earlier, I-"

He cut you off, "Don't you worry about it. If anything, it was a bit refreshing."

You let out a sigh in relief, your whole body falling into relaxation. After two jobs and an unanticipated wave of anxiety, you were absolutely exhausted. When was the last time you actually slept anyways? Or had a real wholesome meal?

"Then again.." Viktor mused, his smile becoming a little more devilish, "what was that you said about us having sex?"

Your face flushed a bright red.
Never mind. Definitely a creep.

Legendary athlete or not, you were not in the mood to deal with anyone's of teasing. You frowned and turned around to walk away. But just as you began your stride towards the exit, fatigue overcame you and the world turned to black.